Barbara Kendall on her IOC Appointment

New Zealand board sailing queen, Barbara Kendall is one of three new members elected to the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee. (IOC) Barbara’s appointment was announced at the recent 123rd IOC Session.
She explains what it means...

Q: What does being a member of the IOC involve?
BK: A lot of travelling! At the moment I sit on three commissions – the Athletes, Woman’s and Sports and the Environment Commissions. Also once a year there is a session where all the members meet and important decisions are made on what sports will be on the Olympic Program, where the Olympics will be hosted in the future, and much more. There are only 115 members in the world and 15 of us are athletes.

Q: What does it mean to you to be elected to this important position?
BK: This is an amazing opportunity to be involved in Olympic sports at the highest level where I can influence decisions and change if needed. I now have a unique opportunity to meet face to face with our world sporting leaders.

Q: Is there anything in particular you want to work towards while in the position?
BK: My heart is with the athletes.
My passion is with the athletes Career Program which is all about empowering athletes for their future. To make them aware that sport is an amazing vehicle for life opportunities that can help them in their future. Also the life skills you use in your sporting career are so valuable for future endeavours.

Communication between administrators and sports people is poor - this needs to be improved through the awareness of athlete’s commissions. Doping - zero tolerance and the continuing education.